Billie Lourd Explains How "American Horror Story" Impacted Her Life
2017 was a bittersweet year for fans of all things Ryan Murphy. Scream Queens officially came to an early end that spring (sob), but viewers got to watch Billie Lourd on their TV screens every week once again when she joined the cast of American Horror Story: Cult that fall. It turns out that joining another Murphy show meant the world to Billie, too.
In conversation with Entertainment Tonight, the 26-year-old explained that she was offered the role of Winter on AHS’s seventh season just a few months after her mother, Carrie Fisher, passed away. “It honestly helped me process all of my emotions,” Billie explained, adding: “Being able to cry for Winter helped me cry for myself.”
The actor went on to explain that being part of the AHS family has been “healing and cathartic in an amazing way,” noting that she can’t thank Murphy enough for bringing her on board. “Honestly, it kind of saved my life,” Billie added.
Billie also told ET that her most recent role in the AHS universe was “very different from any character I've ever played,” speaking of her AHS: Apocalypse character, Mallory: the witch who (spoiler alert!) ultimately brought down Michael Langdon, AKA the Antichrist that we first met during Murder House. “Getting to play Mallory has made me find this...kindness and empathy in myself that I know is there, but I don't really get to access every day,” she said “It's been really, really rewarding to play this lovely, sweet person who is just so empathetic and connected to the other characters.”
The plot of AHS: Apocalypse carried a special significance for Billie, given our current culture and rise of the #MeToo movement. She told ET that the state of the world allowed this season to be “even more powerful than it would have been,” adding: “Getting to watch all of us be more powerful than even the Antichrist, it was so inspirational, I think, and such a great message for young girls and women out there.”
If you’ve been following Billie on Instagram, it’s crystal clear that her AHS: Apocalypse role has meant a lot to her. The actor has posted several tributes to Mallory, giving fans a sneak peek of the character behind the scenes, including that iconic top-knot that she sported throughout the season.
As for what’s in store for Billie in the future, fans and the actor alike hope that more of Ryan Murphy's shows are in the cards. “I would do anything Ryan asked me to do,” Billie told ET. “I trust him with all of my heart.” Here’s hoping we’ll eventually see an AHS / Scream Queens crossover, featuring all the Chanels, and then some.
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